Instructional Design and Technology

The Instructional Design and Technology program at the University of North Dakota prepares students to become effective educators, trainers, and technologists in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Designed to meet the needs of professionals seeking to develop skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating instructional materials across various platforms, this program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students engage in comprehensive coursework covering topics such as learning theories, instructional design models, multimedia development, e-learning technologies, and assessment strategies. The curriculum combines flexible online coursework with hands-on projects, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to address diverse educational and training challenges in academic, corporate, and government settings.

The program offers Master of Education (M.Ed.) and graduate certificate options, allowing learners to tailor their studies according to their career goals. Faculty members bring a wealth of experience in education technology, instructional design, and digital learning environments, providing students with expert mentorship and industry insights. Through interactive coursework and collaborative projects, students gain proficiency in using industry-standard tools such as Articulate, Adobe Captivate, and Learning Management Systems (LMS). The program also encourages research and innovation, fostering skills to evaluate emerging technologies and incorporate them into effective instructional solutions.

Graduates of the Instructional Design and Technology program are prepared to pursue careers as e-learning specialists, instructional designers, training managers, education technology consultants, and academic developers. They will be capable of analyzing learning needs, designing engaging content, implementing online courses, and assessing educational effectiveness with a focus on learner engagement and outcomes. The program aims to develop professionals who can adapt to continuous technological advancements and contribute positively to educational environments across multiple sectors. With a focus on practical experience, research, and a supportive academic community, the University of North Dakota’s Instructional Design and Technology program offers a comprehensive pathway to a meaningful and impactful career in educational technology.

The Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology at the University of North Dakota is a comprehensive program designed to equip educators, trainers, and technology specialists with the essential skills to develop, implement, and evaluate effective instructional materials and learning environments. The program emphasizes the integration of modern technology into educational practices, fostering innovative approaches to teaching and learning in diverse settings. Students will explore theories of instructional design, learning science, multimedia development, and the use of emerging technologies to create engaging and accessible educational experiences.

Throughout the program, participants will gain hands-on experience in designing instructional materials tailored to various audiences, including K-12, higher education, corporate training, and government agencies. The curriculum includes courses on curriculum development, e-learning design, assessment strategies, and project management, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to lead technology-enhanced instruction initiatives. Additionally, students will learn to utilize tools and platforms such as learning management systems, authoring software, and multimedia production tools to create interactive content.

The program is structured to accommodate working professionals, offering flexible online coursework that allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. An emphasis on practical application ensures that learners can immediately implement their skills in real-world environments, enhancing their effectiveness as instructional designers and technology leaders. The faculty comprises experienced educators and industry experts dedicated to mentoring students and supporting their academic and professional growth.

Graduates of the Instructional Design and Technology program will be positioned to influence educational practices across institutions and organizations by designing innovative learning solutions that improve engagement and learning outcomes. Whether pursuing careers in educational technology, corporate training, or higher education, students will emerge with a robust understanding of how to leverage technology to create meaningful educational experiences. The University of North Dakota’s program prepares students not just to adapt to the evolving landscape of education technology but to become leaders in shaping its future.

Program requirements for the Instructional Design and Technology master’s degree at the University of North Dakota typically include completion of a core curriculum consisting of foundational courses in instructional design, educational technology, and research methods. Students are expected to engage in coursework that covers the principles of instructional systems development, multimedia design, and e-learning strategies. The program often requires students to complete a series of specialized electives that allow for focus areas such as online learning, multimedia production, or instructional assessment.

In addition to coursework, students are generally required to undertake a comprehensive project or thesis that demonstrates their ability to apply instructional design principles to real-world scenarios. Hands-on experience through internships or practicum placements is often encouraged or mandated to provide practical skills in educational settings. The program also emphasizes the development of research skills, with students expected to complete coursework in quantitative and qualitative research methods, culminating in a research project or thesis.

Students are usually expected to meet a minimum credit hour requirement, which in the case of the University of North Dakota’s program is typically around 30-36 credit hours, depending on whether they pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. Residency requirements may specify that a certain number of credits be completed through on-campus courses or supervised practicum experiences. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in educational technology, corporate training, instructional design, e-learning development, and related fields. Admission prerequisites generally include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose indicating career objectives and interest in instructional design and technology.

Students must also complete any program-specific assessments or comprehensive examinations as mandated by the department. Continuous engagement in professional development activities, such as webinars, workshops, or conferences in the field of educational technology, may also be encouraged throughout the program. Overall, the curriculum is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research competencies needed to effectively design, develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs in various educational and organizational contexts.

The University of North Dakota offers a variety of financing options for students pursuing a degree in Instructional Design and Technology. As a public university, UND provides both in-state and out-of-state students with competitive tuition rates, which are significantly subsidized by state funding. To assist students in managing the cost of their education, UND offers several financial aid programs, including federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for need-based financial assistance. The university awards merit-based scholarships based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, which can substantially offset tuition costs. Additionally, UND provides departmental scholarships specific to the Instructional Design and Technology program, recognizing outstanding students in the field.

Work-study programs are available to eligible students, allowing them to work part-time on or near campus to earn funds that contribute toward their educational expenses. Loan options, such as the Federal Direct Stafford and Perkins Loans, are available with favorable interest rates and repayment terms designed to support students in financing their studies without excessive financial burden.

Undocumented or international students may have access to alternative financing options, including private scholarships and loans, although these are less common. The university also offers payment plans that enable students to spread tuition payments over the semester, easing the immediate financial impact.

Overall, funding a degree in Instructional Design and Technology at UND involves a combination of federal aid, scholarships, work opportunities, and manageable payment plans, all aimed at making higher education accessible and affordable for qualified students. Students are advised to consult UND’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for personalized guidance and updated information on financial assistance programs.

The Instructional Design and Technology program at the University of North Dakota is designed to prepare professionals for careers in the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative educational and training programs. This program emphasizes the integration of technology in educational contexts, equipping students with the skills necessary to design effective instructional materials, utilize emerging technologies, and analyze learning outcomes to enhance educational experiences across various settings such as K-12 education, higher education, corporate training, and government agencies. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are proficient in instructional design principles, multimedia development, e-learning tools, and assessment strategies.

Students in the program are exposed to a broad spectrum of topics including curriculum design, instructional systems development, digital media production, web-based learning, and learner analysis. The coursework often incorporates hands-on projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop a comprehensive portfolio of instructional solutions. The program may also offer specializations or electives in areas like game-based learning, mobile learning, or data-driven instructional strategies, enabling students to tailor their education to specific interests or career goals.

The faculty at the University of North Dakota are experienced researchers and practitioners in instructional design, education technology, and related fields, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the program. The program is suitable for current educators seeking to incorporate technology more effectively into their teaching, corporate trainers aiming to develop engaging online content, or individuals seeking roles in educational technology companies. The flexible delivery formats, including on-campus and online options, accommodate working professionals and out-of-state students.

Graduates of the Instructional Design and Technology program are well-equipped to work in diverse roles such as instructional designer, e-learning developer, training coordinator, or education technology specialist. They often find employment in school districts, higher education institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations dedicated to education and training. The program’s comprehensive approach ensures that students not only gain technical skills but also develop an understanding of educational theories and management principles relevant to the designing and delivering of effective instructional programs.

Overall, the Instructional Design and Technology program at the University of North Dakota prepares students to become innovative leaders in the field of educational technology, capable of designing user-centered, engaging, and effective learning experiences in an increasingly digital world.